“They love them, they hug them, and treat them like their baby” are the heartfelt words used to describe how a life-improving activity at Red Rose care home is helping soothe its community, tapping into joyous memories of parenthood.
Doll therapy is becoming a popular way of engaging with its community on their everchanging journey with dementia. The dolls can have great benefits and promote feelings of relaxation and pleasure. It is not simply ‘playing’ with a toy, it is providing therapy by boosting moods and stimulating a renewed sense of positive energy, and more ability to communicate.
Coming into Red Rose you may do a double-take as you notice their lovely community interacting with life-like baby dolls. Treating them as their own, they foster memories of lovely times spent with their own families over the years. A cosy lounge filled with a sea of content faces is a heartwarming sight seen daily at Red Rose. Their smiles are infectious and soon everyone around them is sharing the happiness as they bounce their baby dolls on their laps.
As Juliet Barrion, unit head at Red Rose Care Community, says:
“Some of our lovely community think they are still mothers to young children, trying to wash their face, trying to change their clothes, hugging them, treating them like a baby. It makes them feel content. The memories of when they were younger come back because they are talking to their little baby boy or girl.”
Our caring staff have seen first-hand how important the dolls are to their residents, helping to ease feelings of distress and insecurity.
Juliet continues:
“One of our lovely ladies gave her own baby doll to another of our ladies, who was feeling a little sad. It instantly brought her so much joy and comfort. The lady took the baby doll and kissed it. After that, she went to her bed every night with a baby doll.
We introduced doll therapy as a response to the needs of our community. Our families know how doll therapy is very effective. One of our families even bought a pram with a doll inside. She now puts the pram near to her bed and makes sure the doll is safe.”
Red Homes Care Community also goes one step further and invites families with their own babies to visit. It is a lovely sight to see residents enjoying some precious time surrounded by loved ones.
As well as offering dog therapy, its homes also welcome friendly dogs. They know this interaction and familiarity helps the community feel relaxed and happy. Whether it be with a doll, a dog or a toy cat, they restore a sense of calm and enjoyment by helping them to focus on a time where they might be feeling confused and frustrated. Red Homes has even embarked on the journey of hatching and nurturing its own little chicks. Forming relationships with animals allows people to build up their dexterity and confidence as well as improving their memory. We know that reminiscing about their own experiences can really help with to improve their mental health and we will always go the extra mile to meet the needs of everyone within our community. We care for our staff and community by showcasing tireless passion for the community of Red Rose. Providing endless comfort to our lovely community is a core aspect of our Homes.
